Breastfeeding benefits mom and baby. Is it right for you?

New parents have many decisions to make with the arrival of a little one. What or how to feed your baby is one of the most important.

Nicole Morin, MD, an obstetrician/gynecologist with PeaceHealth in Ketchikan, Alaska shares a variety of considerations to keep in mind as you look at your options.

“Breastmilk and breastfeeding can help your child’s health now and in the future,” she says. “It’s something we encourage — even for a short period of time — for its many benefits to babies and moms alike.”

Benefits to babies of breast milk and breastfeeding 

Scientific studies show that babies benefit from both breastfeeding and the bonding time it offers. Breastmilk and breastfeeding:

• Give your baby all the nutrients needed, including personalized immune boosters through antibodies, enzymes, vitamins and other active elements.
• Protect your baby from developing health issues like ear infections or diarrhea. It may also lower their risk for conditions such as diabetes, obesity, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and allergies, to name a few.
• Help your baby bond with you — especially with skin-to-skin touch. 

Benefits to parents of breastfeeding

It might surprise you to know that breastfeeding can:

• Help you lose weight you gained during pregnancy.
• Reduce your risk for certain conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and breast or ovarian cancer.
• Help you slow down and enjoy time with your baby.

Practical considerations of breastfeeding and breast milk

Beyond the essential benefits, many parents like the practical aspects of feeding their baby breast milk. It's:

• Free
• Environmentally friendly 
• Convenient 

If you can’t be with your baby all the time or if you regularly need to be away for more than a few hours, breastfeeding can be a little more time-consuming and pricier.

You can pump and save your breastmilk to feed your child later via bottle. About 90% of parents use a pump to extend the time their children have breast milk.

Insurance may cover some or all of the cost of a pump and related supplies. And many states and employers make it a little easier for moms to find the place and time to pump in comfort and safely store their milk. 

“One thing to keep in mind is that feeding your baby even a small amount of breast milk is beneficial,” says Dr. Morin. “You might try breast feeding or pumping for a few months to see if it works well for you and your family, knowing that formula is available if feeding your baby breast milk only is not possible or practical.”

Potential challenges of breastfeeding

While there are many benefits to feeding your baby breast milk, breastfeeding is not always easy or straight forward. In fact, many — if not most — new moms experience some challenges as they get started.

Here are a few things that can make breastfeeding difficult:

• Engorgement. This “full-balloon-about-to-burst” feeling is uncomfortable and can make it difficult for your baby to latch. Pumping and cold compresses are some ways to get relief. You can ask your midwife or obstetrician for help finding a lactation consultant who can help you manage engorgement.
• Poor latching. The way your baby “latches” on to your nipple is crucial for a good breastfeeding experience. If your baby has tongue-tie, it can be difficult and frustrating for your baby to latch. This is something your doctor or lactation consultant can help identify and may be able to help correct it.
• Sore nipples. This is common, especially in the first few days to weeks. You can try nipple ointment, compresses, breast shields, and other treatments to relieve discomfort.
• Mastitis. This is a type of infection. Your doctor can diagnose and treat it.

If you’re set on giving your little one the benefits of breastmilk, you can explore options such as:

• Bottle feeding your baby breast milk. You can pump your own milk or look for a breast milk donor. 
• You can try eating certain foods to boost your milk supply. This cookie recipe is one example to help with production. Staying well hydrated, eating a well-balanced diet and taking a calcium supplement can also help with supply issues. 
• Ask your doctor about available donated breast milk banks near you, if pumping is not possible for yourself.

When breastfeeding might not be an option

While there are ways to overcome challenges to breastfeeding, not everyone can make it work — or do it for as long as they had hoped. 

You might not be able to breastfeed if: 

• You have certain health issues or your body can’t produce enough milk. 
• Your work schedule or environment makes pumping impractical. 
• Others in the household want or need to be more involved in caring for the baby.

Do what works for you - breastfeed or bottle feed

“The biggest takeaway — weighing all the factors in your life — is to do what works for you and your family,” says Dr. Morin. “Breastfeeding isn’t the only way to go. Making sure your baby is well fed is the important thing.”